Lab For All initiative launched by first lady Araneta-Marcos offering free medical care

In a significant stride for the health sector, ‘Lab For All: Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot para sa Lahat’, a project spearheaded by First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, was launched at the Bataan People’s Centre in Balanga City yesterday. Over 2,000 people were the beneficiaries of free medical care on this occasion, marking the start of an initiative designed to provide free medical consultations, laboratory services, and medicines to those in need.

The services made available by the ‘Lab For All’ programme spanned from blood tests, Ultrasonography, and Electrocardiograms, to paediatric, ocular and even surgical services like circumcision and excision. The breadth and depth of the facilities on offer underscored the Araneta-Marcos-led initiative’s commitment to ensuring holistic care for the less fortunate.

“The project was realised through a joint collaboration that involved multiple departments such as the Department of Health (DoH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda),” mentioned Araneta-Marcos. She added that other participants in the collaborative effort included the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Food and Drug Administration.

According to the First Lady, this health-bearing endeavour is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s promise of making health facilities more accessible for the citizens reported Manila Times.

The launch event saw an impressive assembly of key figures. Governor Jose Enrique Garcia 3rd, Representative Albert Garcia, Orion Mayor Antonio Raymundo, Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Tesda Director Subarto Mangundadatu graced the occasion with their presence. Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, known for her dedication towards aiding indigent patients in Bataan, was also present as an esteemed invitee.

Another noteworthy aspect was the inauguration of six eco-friendly vehicles for the use of the Metro Bataan Development Authority by the First Lady. She bore witness to the blessing of these all-electric vehicles, half of which were funded by the provincial government whilst the rest were donated by private entities.